/dte-web-design/layouts/row-layout-type/wcm-row-type__r1aDTE Energy Can Help

Energy Theft

Energy theft is dangerous and illegal. Stealing electricity and natural gas is dangerous and it’s also against the law. It is illegal to tamper with electric or natural gas service, or reconnect it. DTE Energy has adopted a zero tolerance policy. Anyone caught stealing energy may be prosecuted. In Michigan, energy theft is a crime and can result in fines and /or jail time..

Energy theft can take several forms — meter or equipment tampering, copper theft and identity theft. Knowingly using electric or natural gas energy service that is not correctly metered or while not having a legitimate account with DTE Energy is stealing. DTE Energy monitors suspicious accounts and conducts visual investigations of its meters and service lines at homes and businesses..

DTE Energy's equipment, including meters, pipes and wires, are designed and installed by trained professionals. Tampering with this equipment exposes you, your family and your neighbors to the risk of electric shock, fire, explosion, injury or even death.

When energy theft occurs at a location, any customer seeking to restore service at that address — even if it is a new tenant or owner — will be required to provide positive identification and proof of ownership or tenancy. If your services have been disconnected, please do not attempt to reconnect your own service. If your electric and/or gas meter is disconnected, do not tamper with the meter. Instead, contact our Revenue Protection Dept. at 800.441.6698 for assistance in reconnecting your service.

Positive identification is verified through one or more of the following:

Michigan has a number of laws to address theft of electricity and natural gas. These laws penalize individuals who steal, sell or transfer energy illegally. They also make it a felony to assault a public utility worker while he or she is performing his or her duties. Learn more about the key items of the State of Michigan Senate Bills.

Many customers face economic challenges, but there are better options than theft. We can also connect you with agencies that provide services, including:

Payment assistance

Credit counseling

211 United Way referrals

Earned Income Credit filing

Home Heating Credit filing

Low-income weatherization

Call DTE Energy at 800.477.4747 for more information about how to get help with your energy bill.

Meter or Equipment Tampering

If you suspect that an electric or gas meter in our service area might have been tampered with, call our theft hotline at 800.441.6698. All reports are kept strictly confidential. Telephone reports may be made anonymously. Remember, reporting energy theft may protect you, your family, your neighbors and your property

Copper Theft

Copper cable theft is a growing problem across our state and across the country. Copper thieves have targeted live power lines and have taken transformers from DTE Energy utility poles. Both practices are not only illegal, but extremely dangerous.

The Detroit City Council and the Michigan Legislature have acted to try to stem the tide of copper thefts. The City Council amended an ordinance to place stricter regulations on scrap metal dealers and scrap iron and metal processors, while the state legislature placed tougher penalties on certain entities caught buying or selling stolen copper cable.

We are offering rewards ranging from $2,500 to $5,000 for information leading to the arrest of copper thieves and people buying stolen copper. To report this illegal activity, contact our security department a 313.235.9119.

Identity Theft

If you believe your personal information has been fraudulently used to open an electric or gas service account, or to conduct transactions related to your utility account, call 800.447.4747.

Forms of Positive Identification

Social Security card (or official and authentic papers with SSN, such as W-2 form)

Driver's License or State ID

Passport, Work Visa and Driver’s License or State ID

Military ID

Employer Identification Number/Tax ID Number (for a business)

Proof of Tenancy

Notarized Rental Affidavit or Rental Lease (signed by both landlord and tenant)